#meant as platonic but its so cute u could def see it as romantic if u want lol

[ushouldwatchhaikyuu]

Tobio Kageyama's thing with hugs

Part two: Take care of yourself (Sugawara & Kageyama)

Kageyama has a thing with hugs. Sure, he's touch starved enough to appreciate any form of physical affection- but there's something about hugs that does things to his chest. Things he'd never say out loud. Things that, eventually, he says anyway.

(aka. kageyama has a thing for hugs. he & the other karazuno boys realize this, after a few particular situations where each of the members hugs kageyama for the first time. based on this post)

Warnings: none! kageyama mentions feeling a bit insecure, but it's all very soft aside from that!

Practice had been pretty chill, that day. After a sudden spur of relentless improvement in each of the players' new moves, due to their even more exhaustive training, it was a bit weird to have a practice day when things just felt... normal.

Now, Sugawara was just as excited as everyone else for the preliminar matches, and just as motivated to get better- if not more. There was still that little sting of insecurity inside his chest, knowing most of the first years were titular players now, while he was stuck at the bench. Then again, he tried to push himself to use that as motivation to keep practicing, to keep improving, and to make the most out of whatever time he got to play at any matches.

It was nice, however, to have a more relaxed practice sometimes. He knows better than anyone how easy it is for his teammates (and him, too, sometimes) to get caught up in the deep desire to keep getting better, to keep winning- so much that they'd forget that practicing moves they were already good at was also part of training, and that taking care of themselves was also crucial if they wanted to do their best at every match.

Not everyone was as content as him with the unusually calm practice, though. At least Kageyama didn't seem to be.

They had both been setting for the strikers to practice their regular attacks, for a bit over 10 minutes now. Suga felt nice- everyone had a relaxed smile on their faces, and most of the players seemed happy enough with each of their strikes. They took their time between each attack, which meant they didn't get quite as tired as they did some other days. He felt good seeing the smile on Azumane's face, specially. He felt good knowing he could get that smile on his face with his sets, even if they weren't as perfect as Kageyama's.

At some point, out of habit, Suga glanced at the other setter. His dark brows were scrunched together in a frown that was just a bit deeper than his usual serious resting face, eyes focused on the ball as he continued setting- yet he didn't seem like he was actually looking at it. His lips were tightly pressed together. He kept tapping his foot on the floor in an anxious manner, whenever he was waiting for another player to set for. His restless thoughts were so loud and fast, Suga could almost feel them.

— Hey, Kageyama! — he exclaimed, as he continued to set for the other players — why the frown?

The black haired boy had briefly glared at him, his frown deepening as he pressed his lips tightly together. Suga gave him a nervous smile.

— Nothing. Focus on practicing.

Ouch.

He'd never been the best at aproaching Kageyama- none of them were, really. The boy was closed off and painfully reserved, yet the playful tone he had whenever he scolded someone, his teasing and sarcastic jokes let Suga know he was probably desperate to get closer to them. Desperate to let someone in- to trust them. Perhaps he just didn't know how to go about it-

Perhaps he didn't know how to trust, at all.

Practice went by smoothly, despite the younger setter's mood being slightly off. Ukai dismissed them with a small smile on his face, and made note to mention how proud he was of their recent drastic improvement, as well as remind them to take care of themselves and rest. Sugawara discreetly glanced at Kageyama, and found he still had that slightly uncomfortable look on his face.

The grayhaired boy had caught himself thinking about that quite a few times, naturally. He cared about his team, and about his teammates- not only as players, but as friends and people. That applied to Kageyama as well, even if they weren't quite as close. Which meant he had noticed his anxious attitude that day, and had immediately decided to try and do something about it. He just had to figure out what.

— Alright, it's Suga's turn to close up today — Daichi announced, as soon as the professor and coach had left the gym

Suga nodded, smiling at their team captain. The other players hurried in and out of the changing rooms, seemingly eager to go home for a good night of rest.

Everyone except Hinata and Kageyama, of course.

— I wish I could stay and practice a bit more, too! — Hinata whined and pouted, as he made his way to the door — Family's coming over tonight, though

— Whatever, it's fine, — he thought he almost saw a pout threatening to form in Kageyama's lips as well, as he replied to Hinata— I'm probably not gonna stay too much longer, either

Suga watched the two wave goodbye to each other, while he also said goodbye to the rest of the team.

After that, he made his way to the storage room and gave a quick glance around, to make sure everything seemed to be put away correctly. He locked up the door to the storage room and grabbed his bag from the bench next to the court, where he had left it during practice. He let out a yawn, stretching his arms and rolling his wrists softly while he entered the changing room. It was quiet, as expected.

He splashed water on his face and looked at himself in the mirror for a moment. He looked at his own resting expression- a small, gentle smile on his lips, his eyes as kind as always. He wondered- sure, he knew how to speak to people in a way that helped them feel comfortable, secure. Cared for. He had a hard time when it came to Kageyama, though- the boy didn't seem to appreciate his caring attitude as much as others. It hurted him a bit, to be honest. But he was still determined to figure out a way to help his teammate out- he just had to come up with a different way to approach the situation.

He let out a small sigh, trying not to let the frustration get to him. He ran a hand through his gray hair as he walked towards the lockers, and was surprised by the sight of a black haired boy sitting on the bench, tying his shoes.

— Oh, hey! — he waved and gave him a small smile — Didn't know you were still here

Kageyama was looking down at his own feet, but as soon as the other spoke, his head shot up so quickly he was almost scared he'd get dizzy from the sudden movement.

— Suga— he muttered, eyes wide and mouth slightly open

Sugawara sat down next to him and felt the other boy's eyes follow him. Even he could feel Kageyama's intense and nerve-wrecking stare on him, Suga made sure to keep a soft smile on his face.

— How are you doing? I noticed you were a bit tense at practice today

Kageyama looked back down at his own feet. He had finished tying up his shoes, it seemed. He placed his hands on one of his knees to rest his chin on them and frowned slightly, pressing his lips together. This time, though, his frown was different- he seemed to be contemplating something. Suga stayed silent, and let him take a few seconds to answer.

— Sorry. Didn't mean to be rude earlier — Kageyama's voice was low, eyes still focused on his own shoes.

— It's fine! I get it. I just wanted to make sure you're okay- but I know it can get a bit annoying sometimes

Suga scratched the back of his neck apologetically and redirected his focus to the floor. From the corner of his eyes, he could see the younger boy biting his bottom lip.

— No, it's not annoying — he admitted — I just... I don't know, I was just in a bad mood today. Sorry

— Yeah, I figured so

— I just... — he stressed his bottom lip, and made a pause before continuing — I- I don't know. It just felt wrong to have such a slow practice day. I feel like I'm wasting time

Suga looked up at him again, but Kageyama's eyes remained firm on his own feet. His brows were scrunched together in concentration, and his lips were slightly tilted downwards in a discontented expression. Suga raised a brow, questioning.

— We still practiced a lot though. It's not wasted time

— I know, — Kageyama sighed — I don't mean you guys. I just...

His blue eyes raised up to Suga for a brief moment, for the first time since the conversation had started, but he quickly looked away. His expression softened into something that, Suga guesses, seemed somewhat like sadness.

Kageyama didn't say anything else for a few minutes.

The silence between them wasn't particularly tense, but it felt heavy. Sugawara looked at the lockers, seeing each of them decorated with stickers and other things that, although it might not be obvious at first sight, reflected a bit of each of his teammates' personalities. His own locker had a few stickers- one of them was a flower that Nishinoya had drawn for him. Another one a cup of coffee, with steam coming out of it.

Kageyama's locker door was plain, except for a sticker Hinata had randomly given him one day, of a blue, white and yellow volleyball.

He looked back at the boy sitting infront of him.

At the end of the day, Suga was fairly good at reading his friends- at taking care of them, and knowing what they needed. Even if he didn't always fully understand what was going through their heads, he somehow managed to figure out what they needed to hear.

So why would Kageyama be an exception?

— You know, — he began speaking in a soft voice, almost hesitantly — you need to rest too, just like everyone else

— I know. I sleep well and I take breaks and all that stuff.

— Yeah, but I don't mean just that — Suga turned around slightly, so that he was facing the other setter — You do realize you don't need to be constantly making big improvements, right?

Kageyama frowned.

— What do you mean?

— Like, it's physically impossible for you to unlock a new move every single practice, or to get drastically better every time you play — he gesticulated with his hand, casually — and frankly, you don't need to, either.

Kageyama looked at him, deep blue eyes suddenly so soft, Sugawara couldn't help but feel fondness for the boy.

— You're a great player, and you're really valuable to the team. Relaxing a bit in practice every now and then won't change that.

If he saw Kageyama's eyes water up and his lower lip tremble, well- no one really had to know.

— Thank you.

Suga's lips turned upwards in a warm smile, and he placed a reassuring hand on his teammate's shoulder.

— Of course. We really appreciate you, aight'? Try to relax a bit. You'll be just fine, and we all need to rest a bit right now anyways.

Kageyama nodded and looked at the floor.

Suga was fairly good at reading his friends, at comforting them and knowing what they needed to hear. At taking care of them. And right now, looking at that tall, genius player sitting down infront of him, shoulders heavy and eyes soft in something that looked like insecurity, like racing anxious thoughts inside his head- Sugawara thought Kageyama needed a hug.

He was fairly good at reading his friends. So why would Kageyama be an exception?

He got slightly closer to the boy, his movements thoughtfully slow as he dared to wrap his arms around Kageyama's body. He was careful, as if any sudden movement could scare him away. He felt Kageyama's muscles tense up, but he simply rested his cheek on the younger's head. Everyone knew Kageyama had no trouble pushing anyone away if they got too comfortable in his personal space for his liking, after all. If he didn't like it, he'd certainly push Suga away without doubting it for a second.

Instead, he just melted in his arms.

Suga doesn't think he's ever seen him like that- eyes fluttered shut, a relaxed expression on his face. Kageyama let out a sigh that almost sounded relieved. Like he had been burning for the last few months, and Suga's body had suddenly put down the painful fire the second he pressed it against him in a hug. He dared rub gentle circles on the boy's back, tracing his shoulders and softly petting his hair.

And Kageyama just melted.

He melted, and let himself stay there- enveloped in the warmth of the hug for however long it took before one of them remembered they needed to get home. Suga didn't keep track of time; he didn't need to.

He would've let Kageyama stay like that, content and safe in his arms, for as long as he needed.

—

AAAAA second chapter!!! im actually kinda surprised/proud of myself for writting another part for this story lol. i've been having trouble finishing anything i start writting, and tbh i hadn't rlly written much for like two years? so when i finished the first part i was like Oh Nice !! but i assumed it would take me a few weeks to write smth else. but yeah, i'm happy i could finish this one too lol. it's a bit longer than expected, but i kinda like it and i hope yall like it too!! stay safe 💜

gif credit

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[blanketorghost]

HI I REALLY ADORE UR LL DRAWINGS the way u draw is so :((( cute im so obssessed,, what are ur feelings about rime/thoughts on rime/felix/mc since its such a popular ship rn?

I'm mostly mono so its not my cup of tea personally!! But I DEF love how complex the whole relationship (romantic or platonic or love corner/triangle-y) between felix, MC and Rime.

I feel for each and every one of them and their specific struggles to romance (AT LEAST my iwn interpretation of MC because I sometimes find the LL mc extremely slappable in a non sexy way)

Felix's ritual seemingly failing is a v important point on my own hcs because I think that experiencing loss for the second time is what really allows him to finally grieve properly and let go of his unresolved feelings for Rime; since it put the nail on the coffin on how Rime would really never be back.

For my MC, they immediately caught on that the ritual was to revive Felix's past lover (i thought it was obvious when i first played?? Haha) so Noel feels extremely guilty and unfit to be in Astraea. As they develop a crush on Felix, they start feeling even WORSE because they know all those sweet words and soft glances that made them swoon in the beginning were never meant for them, and as such they feel like a cheap replacement and an intruder in Felix's world; Even after Felix starts showing hints of attraction towards them.

Felix has mentioned time and time again how guilty he feels he stole MC from their life back on earth and has involved them in his own messy family problems, so I imagine he must feel like absolute shit over how much he loves MC, wishing theyd stay with him and abandon earth knowing how selfish that is

I feel for Rime the most I think... and thats why I think I can't bring myself to fully hate him despite how much I want to sock him in the face in his scenes. He was robbed of a peaceful death (which to me, a death lover and extremely death positive person felt like a punch to the gut); then, when he finally got himself through hell to be back with the person he loves, he finds out Felix, the love of his life, has moved on! With the person that usurped his revival ritual no less! I feel its very interesting how in Ch5 Rime mentions how he won't allow us to steal Felix from him, which is weird at first given MC and Felix at that point were kind of sort of flirting but very passively? Kind of like dancing around each other's feelings. If anything, Rime killing us was the catalyst for Felix and MC to get together so imagine the FRUSTRATION he must feel. Esp since after Ch5, Rime must feel like he has no purpose anymore; He was brought back to life BECAUSE Felix is in love with him... so if Felix doesn't love him anymore, what else can he do?

Do I think Felix still loves Rime? 100%. Felix's feelings must be SO complicated and he must feel in between a rock and a hard place with his feelings for two people he feels he owes so much to. Is his love strictly romantic, though? Or has it morphed through time to other kinds of love? That's up to the reader! I myself believe Felix is going through this phase where his romantic feelings for rime ar morphing into smth more platonic and a kinship. Maybe starting to recognize how unhealthy his desire to bring Rime back was? Hm.

Do I think they could work as a polycule? No idea! I am not knowledgeable enough to give my opinions but I def see how it would appeal as a VERY good hurt/comfort kind of ship

I myself, prefer to make my MCs suffer :3c

[elysianslove]

AH IDK WHERE TO START 😭😭😭 I WAS PLANNING TO GIVE MY REACTION REGARDING UR PRESENT (MATTSUN REQUEST) RIGHT AWAY BUT THE MOMENT I FINISHED IT I WAS UGLY CRYING ALONG WITH MIX FEELINGS.

that fic happened to describe my biggest concern in a relationship, just any kind of relationship. its really hard for me to trust someone enough to let them enter my life and see my true self. so when im feeling comfortable with someone i could see myself giving my all, id say ill love them 110% if thats even possible. which leads to my main fear — that nobody would ever match how deep i love/care for them and i cant help but feeling unease that one day they would find me clingy bc i keep on seeking any form of love affirmation or they would just simply falling out of love — i sometimes even think that love itself has an expired date — yeah thats prob just me building such defensive wall to prevent myself from disappointment. i also sent it to my best friend and her first reaction was she asked me wether i requested for that specific plot to u or not since its really remind her of me bc we literally just talked ab that issue and how much im scared of it.

&&& what i meant to say was (sorry for the tmi/long rambles of me being hopeless romantic 😭) when i requested for a fic i expected nothing bc i know u would make a great one anyway. i thought that ur gonna make a simple yet cute bday surprise scenario but then u put it in an angsty way that i surprisingly could relate — it almost feels like a personalized fic thats made specially for me — which ig thats just a coincidance? bc i dont quite remember telling u such details of my concern..

im not even exaggerating but thats def one of the best present i received this year. that fic personally means a lot to me and it has its own place in my heart. ive been wanting that type of fic to comfort myself whenever im stressed over the whole loving-someone-too-much thoughts, which i never quite find one thats close enough for me to put on my notes app — yeah i copied that fic of urs to my notes app so it would be easier for me to read whenever i need it ,, hope u dont mind 👉🏻👈🏻

i rlly dont know what to say bc theres no word that comes near to how grateful and lucky i am receiving that but THANK U SO MUCH &&& I LOVE U not just bc u wrote that but ily bc u exist 🥺‼️ (skdnekms i might cringe myself for saying sucj cheesy line but thats a later problem 😣) im whising u the same great things u hoped for me and hv a wonderful day my love 💖

— 🐬

i really wasn’t expecting this much and this great feedback and ,,, the fact that i actually properly catered to you and wrote what you wanted and needed to read :( im so happy lovely like so so so happy that you enjoyed it and that i could make you happy on such a special day.

and about your fear, i understand. it’s a little scary giving your all to someone with no real basis of how they’ll react except your own perception of them, but when it comes to things like this, you just have to trust. if the outcome is good, then you’ll be happy. and if it’s bad, you’ll learn. you’ll pick apart the signs and notice them in other people, you’ll grow as a person, you’ll build yourself to be stronger. commitment is insanely scary, and on my part, i’m not only scared a person is going to just grow tired of me, i’m scared i’m also gonna get tired or bored of them too. nothing like this is set in stone. it’s not just what’s written for you, it’s also what you’re willing to work through, you and your partner. communication is important, in every relationship, whether that be platonic or romantic or familial. you have to learn how to trust in yourself, and in the fact that it’s okay if you love too deeply. someone will come around and love you even deeper.

i really hope i’m making sense and/or reassuring you. i love you sososo much and i wish the absolute best for you, genuinely <3 and don’t thank me!! i was so happy to write it for you, and even more to hear that you liked it this much!!

lots of kisses, mwah <3